Best of Boston

If you want bells and horns, go to one of those big, anonymous bike stores in the suburbs. Broadway sells lean, mean, and versatile sets of wheels perfect for city commuting. Its selection of new bikes from solid, lesser-known manufacturers gives you maximum quality at the lowest price, while its fleet of reconditioned wheels includes the famous “Broadway Bike” (the store’s own creation), a vintage three-speed frame with souped-up Sturmey-Archer software. Gearheads will be glad to know that the grease under the staff mechanics’ fingernails isn’t just for show; many are co-owners, so they take extra pride in turning around the toughest repair jobs quickly. If you can’t wait to go mobile, they’ll even teach you how to fix your trusty steed yourself, with cheap (and patient!) walk-in tutoring.